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Carpe Diem! It’s a popular Latin phrase that literally means seize the day.

It is interesting to reflect on what you value at various stages of life. As an elementary kid I valued recess and candy. As a middle schooler I valued popularity and Clearasil (this was my generation’s version of Proactive anti-acne cream.) In high school I valued athletics, grades, part-time jobs and girls. In college I valued new networks, global thinking and my preparation for an exciting career. As a newlywed (thirty years ago!), I valued stability, good credit scores and payday.

Today, as man who is fifty-four years of age, what I endeavor to seize is much different. During my younger years I attempted to seize that which helped my success, popularity and comfort. And although I still have (or, suffer from) a healthy drive in life…what I am achieving is a means to an end rather than the desired end. For example, I still enjoy getting paid for the work I do, however, I am more concerned with how I leverage that pay to create memories via vacations with my teen daughter and/or aging mother. As I am invited all over the world to lecture, preach or consult on various humanitarian issues, what I savor is the tremendous people I meet as well as the opportunity to bring others along with me. [Read more…] about Carpe Diem (Seizing the Day)

Last Saturday I co-led a funeral for a very dear friend who lost an ugly battle with cancer. It was a very beautiful and moving memorial service. There were poems, reflections from lifelong friends, scripture readings, favorite hymns, Eucharist and several memorable photos. I walked away feeling as though we had truly sent off our dear friend into her eternal rest in great celebratory style.

But what had begun as a subtle pat-myself-on-the-back moment, began to evolve into a more sobering and introspective occasion…

As a rational and intelligent adult, I understand that death is inevitable. No one is exempt from its cruel grip. Death is one of the equal opportunity forces in the world today. In some cases it is highly anticipated and almost timed. In other cases it is sudden or accidental. Regardless of when or how it comes, friends and family are never quite ready for the shock of their loss. And when death occurs we snap into funeral mode and we take time off of work and buy airline tickets, and we search feverishly for old letters and photographs for memories because we want to show our last respects.

Listen here to “Mama’s Miracle of 1947,” which aired on Christmas Day of a local radio station. Narrated by Dr. Gee, this is the retelling of the story of the healing of Dr. Gee’s Grandma from tuberculosis, and her salvation.